Discretionary grant application packages from the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools contain all of the information and forms that you need to apply for funds. Application packages typically include the application notice, program regulations and/or authorizing legislation, and application instructions and forms.

When you apply for a grant, the application you submit will generally include the following items in this order:

Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED Form 424) - ED Form 424 must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided.

Table of Contents - The Table of Contents should identify the page number for each of the major sections of the application, in addition to any appendices.

Project Abstract - The purpose of the abstract is to clearly describe every major aspect of the proposed project except the budget. The project abstract should generally be limited to one page, describing a brief summary of the project's goals and objectives, the intended outcomes of the project, and the theoretical or research basis for the project.

Narrative - The narrative describes your proposed project in detail and addresses all selection criteria and statutory requirements. The narrative should be concise and well organized, following the format and sequence of the selection criteria. If you fail to address all the selection criteria, our experience suggests your application will not score well enough to be considered for funding.

Budget Information Form and Budget Narrative - The purpose of the Budget Information Form and budget narrative is to present and justify all expenses required to achieve project goals and objectives. You should carefully follow the instructions contained in ED Form 524 for completing the budget. Please note that the appropriate column on Form 524 must be completed for each year that funds are requested. Failure to supply a budget and narrative for each project year will result in no funding for those years.

Assurances, Certifications, and Disclosure - Various Federal requirements are imposed on applicants and grantees as a condition of receiving grant funds. Application packages contain forms that an applicant is required to sign and submit, promising to abide by various Federal laws, regulations, and executive orders that apply to grantees.

The following assurances, certifications, and disclosure forms are generally included in application packages:

Appendices - Appendices should be limited only to what reviewers need to understand or clarify the proposal, or to provide supporting documentation such as personnel qualifications. Be sure to include copies of appendices with each copy of the application. Do not include timelines or other management charts as appendices, as they should be included in the narrative.

GEPA 427 Statement - All applicants for new awards must include information in this application to address this provision in order to receive funding under the grant competition. Applicants must include a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally assisted project for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. All application packages through the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools include detailed information about the GEPA requirements.